SANTA FE SPRINGS : $65,000 Allocated for South Whittier

Santa Fe Springs will contribute $65,000 over the next few months to a community development project to help neighboring South Whittier.

The money will help pay the salaries of staff members whose job is to see that unincorporated South Whittier receives services such as law enforcement, graffiti removal and youth sports programs. They also oversee a county-funded home improvement program and affordable housing projects.

In addition to Santa Fe Springs, contributors include county officials and the South Whittier Community Coordinating Council, a volunteer group that functions as an unofficial city council for the area.

Since 1989, Santa Fe Springs has contributed $1 million to the program, which is called the City/County Project. The city provides a three-person staff that acts as an unofficial city administration for South Whittier.

Santa Fe Springs council members recently considered ending their financial support. But City Manager Donald R. Powell said Santa Fe Springs has an interest in helping the county help South Whittier. “If South Whittier deteriorates, it would have a very negative influence on Santa Fe Springs.”

The council approved the funding by a 3-to-1 vote. Councilwoman Mercedes Diaz abstained because she owns property in South Whittier. Councilwoman Betty Wilson voted against the funding, saying the county should pay.